Axolotls cannot survive without water for their entire lifetime. Here are the key reasons why:
Respiration: Axolotls primarily breathe using gills, which require an aquatic environment to function properly. Their skin also aids in respiration but needs to stay moist.
Hydration: They need water to maintain hydration. Their permeable skin helps them absorb water, but it can dry out and become damaged in a dehydrated environment.
Feeding: Axolotls are carnivorous and require an aquatic habitat to hunt and consume live prey such as worms, insects, and small fish.
Reproduction: Their reproductive cycle is tied to an aquatic environment. Axolotls lay eggs in water, and their larvae develop there as well.
Body Structure: Axolotls have a body structure adapted for swimming. They do not have limbs or other adaptations suitable for terrestrial life.
Thermoregulation: Water helps regulate their body temperature, as axolotls have a relatively low metabolic rate and cannot generate much heat on their own.
Attempting to keep an axolotl out of water for its entire life would lead to severe health issues, desiccation, and ultimately death. It's essential to provide them with a suitable aquatic habitat that meets their physical and biological needs for their well-being and survival.